I'm just wondering what possessed Microsoft to make this and why game companies even consider using it.

Its in F1 2010 and it just lowers the quality of the game. Dont get me wrong, F1 2010 is a great game, but GFWL... to type anything you must go into the GFWL interface which breaks codemaster's menus. My experiences in the past have also been severely disappointing. Steam works well, steam works as it never interferes with the game itself.

Microsoft recently admitted that it made a huge mistake with the Kin phone, and recently also shut down its blogging service so with any luck they will stop attempting to turn the pc into a console and let quality programs like steam do its job for them.

PS. My only problem with steam is that you must buy through steam to use their service to the fullest (with the exception of the source titles), no compatibility/cooperation with D2D, Stardock, ect....

Well THQ recently noted that future titles will not be utilizing GFWL... and THANK GOD. Maybe the other publishers will follow suit as well. I love Steam and I have no problem with other digital services not integrating with it. And likely, they never will, especially Impulse, lol that guy HATES Steam... hell he hates his own customers! Steam has plenty of good games and deals to satisfy me. I have bought the odd game from D2D but prefer retail and Steam. If game publishers want my money, they need to avoid GFWL.

Well THQ recently noted that future titles will not be utilizing GFWL... and THANK GOD. Maybe the other publishers will follow suit as well. I love Steam and I have no problem with other digital services not integrating with it. And likely, they never will, especially Impulse, lol that guy HATES Steam... hell he hates his own customers! Steam has plenty of good games and deals to satisfy me. I have bought the odd game from D2D but prefer retail and Steam. If game publishers want my money, they need to avoid GFWL.

Actually I seem to recall reading that he likes Steam, he just feels there needs to be competition to prevent things like monthly fees or some such thing.

GFW does have some redeeming qualities; the best one being able to message my buddy on his Xbox while he's watching Netflix with his girlfriend, and asking him how much he enjoyed the porn he streamed the night before.

I kind of like GFWL - They require that the game maker include support for the Xbox360 controller - though granted... this can turn out like mafia II, where they have support but you can't change a single button <.<